Michelle Raymond

Hello Michelle! I hear you’ve been doing exploits in the field of Human Resources…

So, what’s the name of your organisation?

The People’s Partner Ltd

Please describe it to our readers

The People’s Partner is Human Resources(HR) consultancy. We provide HR support, employment law advice, and mediation services, to small and medium-sized businesses. Our services ranges from writing and reviewing contracts of employment, to managing and advising on redundancies. Our focus is to maintain the working equilibrium of an organisation and its employees, to this end we advise on employee relation issues like disciplinary, grievances, discrimination, bullying and harassment, equal opportunities, and talent management. Also, workplace mediation, career management, and outplacement forms key features of our business.

Wow! I now see why you’ve not been able to attend any of our events to date. How long has it been in operation?

We are pretty new. The People’s Partner was formed in February 2014, but previous to that I was offering my services to a few clients. In February the name was registered and that’s when the real hard work and adventure began.

What inspired you to step out?

We all have gifts and talents. It could be painting, dancing, being good with figures, or even singing. I’m good with people and employment law, so I feel really privileged to be able to use these gifts in helping people and small and medium-sized businesses. Especially businesses that cannot afford to hire a full-time HR staff. They now benefit from a consultant that understands their vision, needs, potentials; with the knowledge to keep them on the right side of law.

Tell us three things/areas you pride your organisation with?

We are bespoke.

We are genuine.

We are great value for money.

What has been your greatest challenge or challenges so far?

Winning business!! Everyone wants your service for free, and yes I do sometimes give my advice, support and expertise for free, especially when I hear stories of employees that have been mistreated or unfairly treated. Also, keeping the social media drive on full throttle can be challenging. Tasks like maintaining, updating – keeping the fire burning! But no matter how late I have to stay up writing a policy, or re-wording a consultation/proposal, or editing CVs; it’s a job that I love, so I do it with a smile.

I love that! What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting up?

Before going it alone, you need to be honest with yourself. Do you have the willpower, determination and drive to do this?

Can you manage your time knowing that the social life, the eating out, the television watching will have to be put on hold because of your assignment?

Your biggest question should be WHY?

Why are you doing this?

Why do you choose to forgo sleep and put in the hours into your business?

If your WHY is big enough, you’ll achieve your dreams.

What are your plans for the next 3 years?

Leave my current employment and work on The People’s Partner on a full-time basis

Employ two members of staff to assist with consultancy

Win a contract with an umbrella company to do all the HR for their organisations

Great! Thanks for your time.

Friends, for further information about Michelle Raymond and The People’s Partner: